Sony Pictures Animation has been slaying the game of animated blockbusters with Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse and the current global sensation KPop Demon Hunters -- the latter showing how seamlessly cultural identity, myth, and heartfelt storytelling can come together on screen. And, for fans who were captivated by the mix of fantasy, culture, and high energy in Netflix's K-pop hit film, then Chris Appelhans' directorial debut film Wish Dragon is a perfect follow-up.
Released in 2021, Sony Pictures Animation's Wish Dragon is an underrated gem that blends modern Chinese urban life with a classic wish-granting fantasy. Where KPop Demon Hunters bursts with choreography, neon-drenched battles, and the glamorous sheen of the music industry, Appelhans' earlier film finds its emotional core in the bustling streets of Shanghai, a magical teapot, and a dragon with more sarcasm than patience.
What Is 'Wish Dragon' About?
Wish Dragon tells the story of Din Song (Jimmy Wong), a hardworking, underprivileged college student whose days couldn't be further from the luxurious life of his childhood best friend, Li Na (Natasha Liu Bordizzo). As kids, the two were inseparable, spending their days running through Shanghai's streets, sharing food, and imagining futures that seemed boundless. As they grew up, Li Na's father climbed the financial ladder of status, while Din stayed behind in his working-class neighborhood with his mother. Their lives diverged, but Din never let go of the dream of reconnecting with his childhood friend.
Din's life changes when he stumbles upon an old teapot that houses Long (John Cho), a trapped wish-granting dragon who is cursed to serve as a wish-granter until he completes service to ten masters. With Long's help, Din believes he can bridge the gap between his modest world and Li Na's glittering lifestyle. However, his wishes bring more complications than goodness, forcing him to face questions about what truly matters.
Of course, wishes are never that simple, but Din attempts to use Long's magic to transform his life anyways. Through the mishaps, Din begins to realize that what he desires is just a genuine connection, both with Li Na and with the family and community who have always been by his side. Long, meanwhile, undergoes his own transformation, shifting from a cynical dragon to a guide who rediscovers the value of humanity through Din's friendship.
Chris Appelhans' 'Wish Dragon' and 'Kpop Demon Hunters' Share a Universal Theme
Much like KPop Demon Hunters, Wish Dragon weaves fantasy into everyday struggles to tell a touching humanistic story. Long's character adds layers of humor and wisdom, echoing the kind of supernatural companions that fans of magical adventures really love. Visually, the film's Shanghai setting bursts with cultural authenticity, grounding the fantasy in a very real world.
Though Wish Dragon may not have generated the same global buzz as other Netflix animated originals, it remains a film worth celebrating. For Western audiences, it offers a glimpse into Chinese life and values without losing its universal relatability. For fans of KPop Demon Hunters, the similarities are clear. Hunters reimagines K-pop idols as demon-fighting heroines, cleverly merging the glitz of pop stardom with Korean folklore. Wish Dragon similarly weaves its fantasy into everyday life, showing us street markets, crowded apartments, and high-rise towers of Shanghai -- all rendered with energetic animation that feels alive with character.
In Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans' film, the Huntrix members struggle to balance their musical careers with the responsibilities of defending humanity. In this same light, Din must reconcile his humble reality with the illusions of grandeur that magic offers. There's also a shared tonal balance between spectacle and sincerity. Just as KPop Demon Hunters mixes thrilling battles with heartfelt moments between friends, Wish Dragon offsets its comedic wish-granting antics with emotional beats about family sacrifice and the meaning of true happiness.
If KPop Demon Hunters left you craving more stories that fuse the fantastical with the deeply human, then Wish Dragon deserves a spot at the top of your Netflix queue. With its magical premise and heartfelt lessons about love, family, and the danger of chasing illusions, it's a film that will charm audiences of all ages. By the end, Wish Dragon proved to be much more than a light-hearted, high-quality animation -- the movie focuses on the message of embracing yourself by cherishing the connections that define us. Chris Appelhans may have moved from Shanghai's streets to the neon stages of K-pop stages, but the emotional core of his storytelling remains the same.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Wish Dragon PG Adventure Comedy Animation Release Date June 11, 2021 Runtime 98 minutes Director Chris Appelhans Cast See All Jimmy Wong Bobby Lee John Cho Constance Wu Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming
Writers Chris Appelhans Powered by Expand Collapse